Components of Homeostatic Systems Quiz

Homeostatic Systems

• A homeostatic system consists of three components: receptor, control center, and effector.
• The receptor detects changes in a variable (stimulus), the control center interprets the input and initiates changes through the effector.
• The nervous system provides a quicker response, while the endocrine response is more sustained.

Homeostatic System Characteristics

• Dynamic system with a set point and a normal range for variables.
• Regulated through negative feedback to maintain homeostasis.
• If the system fails, homeostatic imbalance or disease results.

Normal Ranges for Homeostatic Variables

• Body temperature: 98.6°F.
• Blood glucose: 80–110 mg/dL.
• Blood pressure: 90–120/60–80 mm Hg.

Physiology

• Subdisciplines of physiology include cardiovascular physiology, neurophysiology, respiratory physiology, reproductive physiology, and pathophysiology.
• Physiologists examine the function of body structures, focusing on the molecular and cellular level.

Divisions of Physiology

• Pathologic anatomy examines macroscopic and microscopic anatomic changes resulting from disease.
• Radiographic anatomy investigates internal structures visualized by scanning procedures.

Matter, Energy, and Chemical Reactions

• Matter is made up of atoms, which are the smallest unit of matter.
• Inorganic compounds have 0 or 1 carbon atoms (e.g., NaCl, H2O, CO2).
• Organic compounds contain 2 or more carbon atoms (e.g., C6H12O6).

Properties of Water

• Solubility: many substances dissolve in water.
• Reactivity: water permits chemical reactions and participates in some reactions.
• High heat capacity: water can absorb and retain heat.
• Lubrication: water reduces friction between opposing surfaces.

Acids and Bases

• Acids dissociate in water to produce H+ and an anion (proton donor).
• Bases accept H+ when added to a solution (proton acceptor).

Monomers and Polymers

• Monomers: simple forms of organic compounds.
• Polymers: complex forms of organic compounds.

Amino Acid Chains

• Amino acid monomers are joined together by chemical bonds (peptide bonds).
• Dipeptides, tripeptides, or polypeptides are formed.
• Amino acid chains longer than about 100 amino acids are called proteins (e.g., hemoglobin, keratin).

Nucleic Acids

• DNA and RNA store and process information at the molecular level inside cells.
• DNA and RNA are made up of chains of monomers known as nucleotides.
• Nucleotides are composed of three molecules: a pentose sugar, a single nitrogenous base, and a phosphate group.